It’s quite a radical step from making the Red Army Faction young and sexy. Although Bushido is German-Algerian, his rhymes have been denounced as nationalist and the rapper has refused to condemn his right wing fans. Like his cousins across the Atlantic, Bushido has also been keeping it real with the usual bodyguard rumbles. He was arrested after tangling with a vandal he claims slashed the tires of his BMW 7 Series. Nevertheless, his singles “Alles Verloren,” “Ching Ching” and “Fur immer jung” have all entered the German Top 10.

Bushido found himself in Neo-Nazi company when Germany’s Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons added three of his albums to its register, including one which the rising star recorded in his mom’s apartment. The records were cited for misogynist lyrics like “Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean I won’t beat you until you’re blue.” The department’s director said, “It’s as dangerous to advocate violence against women as it is violence against immigrants.”

Of the skinhead fans who have adopted him as a hero, Bushido told the New York Times, “There is no trying to understand Nazis, but what are you going to do? Are you going to ban them, put them in jail so that they hate you even more? If that guy is cool with me during the hour in which I’m giving my concert and respects the other people, then I think I’ve done a good job.”

All of which should make for plenty of brick throwing if Bushido ever sees the light of day.